A Study in Spirits
Page 19
Author Notes
Author Notes
The adventures of Logan Dannon and Brigit Cullen continue in two more books, as well as a few short stories. For example, the short story, Knight of Cups, takes place between book one, Never Date a Siren, and book two, A Study in Spirits, in the College Fae series. Get a sneak peek right after the glossary.
Do you love free stories? Find them at my website with a behind-the-scenes look at my writing, reviews of other fantasy books, and giveaways. I also provide opportunities to become beta readers or to obtain ARC’s (Advanced Reader Copies) of my books prior to release.
I love reading your comments on your favorite eBook provider. Your review doesn’t need to be long — even a line or two makes a difference in helping others discover new books. Your feedback is the best encouragement we authors can receive to continue writing.
Byrd Nash
P.S. After the glossary are previews of my other books.
Glossary
HUMAN LANDS
Bewachterberg
German for “Hidden/Guarded Mountain.”
A country located south of Germany, similar in history and tradition to Bavaria. However, due to the Treaty of Sigismund, the country retained sovereignty.
Geheimetür
German for “Secret Door.”
A university town located in Bewachterberg.
Treaty of Sigismund
In 1890, after being told by a Cassandra about his country’s future, the King of Bewachterberg signed a treaty with the fae to hide the country for 99 years and a day. In exchange, he bound himself to nine fae queens.
Leopold-Ottos-Universität Geheimetür, Bewachterberg (German)
or Leopold Otto University (English)
Affectionately called LOTTOS, was founded by the royal family in 1521. Once a monastery, the holy brothers were removed during the Protestant Reformation in 1521.
The University is managed by a Rector (traditionally a human) and in ceremonies is lead by a Chancellor (traditionally a fae, often related to the royal line of Bewachterberg).
Aristarchus of Samothrace
(c. 220 – c. 143 BC) An influential scholar and grammarian who was a librarian at the Library of Alexandria.
Bard
A human who has gained powers of persuasion, understanding truth, and seeing through deception through supernatural means. These powers can see through Fae Glamour. These powers are gained through an initiation process, such as sleeping with the dead, on barrows, or at certain locations associated with mysticism.
Ecesedi Báthory Erzsébet
(Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed, 1560-1614) A Hungarian noblewoman who is remembered in history as a prolific serial killer. Although the precise number she killed and tortured is unknown, 650 was used at her trial. A popular rumor, that became part of her folklore, is that she bathed in virgin’s blood to stay young (but this was recorded after her death and is unlikely).
Protestant Reformation
A separation of western Europe from Catholic control in the 16th century. A lead player in the schism was Martin Luther who criticized the role of papal authority.
Ghost/Shade
A ghost made from a human’s death in the human lands that may or may not be sentient. The older the ghost, the least sentient and fully formed it is.
Wraith
A sentient ghost of a human which can act independently of its history and timeline. Wraith’s differ from other ghosts, shades, and haunts, as they are formed from humans who have died in the Perilous Realm.
Titivillus
Was a demon said to work on behalf of Belphegor, Lucifer or Satan to introduce errors into the work of scribes. He is first mentioned in 1285 and was thought to be the “patron demon of scribes” who used him as excuse as to why they made errors in copying works. In the late 1500’s, he later became a subversive figure in satire and comedic works about human vanity.
Tsukumogami (付喪神 or つくも神)
A magically created creature in the human lands, region Japan. In Japanese folklore, a tool that had been used a long time (the length of time often given as 99 years) would often become alive and a self-aware spirit. Emma’s companion is a shapeshifting spirit so would be an Obake (お化け) and bakemono (化け物), a subset of Yōkai (妖怪).
Tulpa
A magically created being developed by powerful thoughts or fears, deliberate or not. The being eventually becomes sentient and relatively autonomous of its creator. The closet monster and under-the-bed monster from Never Date a Spirit are examples of Tulpa.
Outside
The Human Lands and the Perilous Realm are two dimensions that closely overlap. Any other dimension is considered Outside by the fae. This indicates the close connection the fae feel for the human lands.
FAE CULTURE
Perilous Realm
The faerie world is composed of many kingdoms, just as the Human Lands has many countries. Each kingdom is ruled by a queen who is equal in status (theoretically) to all the other queens. However, in reality courts differ in status due to size, magical ability, and political strength. Brigit’s court is ruled by her mother, Queen Elixia. Celia’s court is ruled by Queen Corallina.
Fae
(plural or singular, the word fae remains the same) — beings that call the Perilous Realm their home. All fae are generally twice as strong as their human counterparts.
Three things define a Fae being’s world: their sworn loyalty to the queen of their royal court; their Sept (or clan); and Affiliation (magic source).
Beings
The preferred term to describe another fae.
Bondmates
Instead of using the term “friends,” the fae use bondmates to denote the complicated ties that form their network of companions. Debts and exchanges in the Laws of Civility let others test each others mettle, deeming them worthy or not, due to how they respond.
Affiliations
Fae magical abilities are from seven affiliations: Wood, Metal, Stone, Water, Wind, Flame, and Time/Memory. It is possible for a fae to have more than one affiliation but there is always one that is dominant.
Glamour
A magical working that conceals, deceives or creates an illusion. Celia’s magic to conceal Paul’s true form is a Glamour, as well as the magic worked to transform the abbey during the party. The fae can choose to view the Glamour or what is true underneath it. Logan’s bard abilities lets him see the truth behind Glamour spells. Shapeshifting is not a form of Glamour.
Laws of Civility
All kingdoms acknowledge a code of behavior called the Laws of Civility, however enforcement is a nebulous, free-flowing, every-fae-for-themselves, process. Humans are outside of this system, as they are not seen as worthy participants.
Guest Right (Guest Law)
An ancient belief, both in the human lands and the fae courts, that once a being is given Guest Right (usually signified by the breaking of bread or consuming salt), they must obey Guest Law — such as not killing your host.
Debts of Honor
Something owed, acknowledged between both parties. Brigit owes Paul a Debt of Gratitude due to his assistance in Never Date a Siren. How a fae handle, incur, and manage their Debts is how they form relationships with others as it provides proof of your integrity (or lack thereof).
Fiat of Harm/Injury
An official and binding declaration against another. Brigit declares two Fiats: one against the Bog Sprites for attempting to drug her, and another against Sibyl for attempted murder. A lesser form of this would be a Mark of Injury.
Expletus
The formal word used by a debt-holder to acknowledge the debt is at an end.
FAE CLANS
Septs
Clans of the fae are grouped by type. It can influence allegiances as those of the same clan feel familiar to each other.
True Beast
A fae that presents physically as an animal and cannot change into a human form.
Fae who can transform from animal to human form and back again. While they appear human, their beast side plays a large part in their personality. Shapeshifting does NOT use Glamour.
Naturals
Keep to a human form, and are closely connected to natural materials found in the human world. Think trees, streams, rocks, and mountains.
Dryad (Brigit) — a fae being associated with trees, usually affiliated with wood.
Naiad (Celia) — a fae being associated with springs and rivers, usually affiliated with water.
Eotan (Granite) — beings with supernatural strength. Contains giants, trolls, dwarves. Usually affiliated with stone or metal.
The Kindly Ones
A branch of fae who like to help humans. Because they have a long history with the Human Lands, they are immune to iron. Logan’s housekeeper is a Brownie.
Tricksters
A Sept, self-described. Many are True Beasts (horses, cats, dogs), although others can shift from human to animal. Magical affiliations vary greatly. Jib is a púca.
Fenrir
A monstrous wolf from Norse Mythology.
Wyvern
Is a bipedal (two legged) dragon with wings and a tale that ends in a diamond or arrow shaped tip. It is a favorite heraldic beast.
Time/Memory Affiliated Groups
Cassandra — referring to a being who has prophetic powers, who can be fae or human. Logan’s cousin, Evelyn, is a Cassandra (see my other book, The Wicked Wolves of Windsor and other fairytales).
Doppelgänger — (German usage is capitalized, same form in plural as singular). They hold the highest form of fae power — Mindbending (the affiliation of time and memory). Paul’s magic to appear as someone else is not shapeshifting or Glamour since he uses what is in another being’s mind to make the illusion.
Knight of Cups
A ghostly medieval knight and a creepy curse spoil the summer.
Brigit, a fae dryad, and Jib, her talking cat, become trapped in a haunted French chateau. They quickly become embroiled in a creepy family mystery with ties to the medieval myths and legends of the Holy Grail.
Between the bizarre dinner ritual and unearthly screaming from the cellar, can the two break the Dupois curse before it claims another victim?
“I also had an interesting time,” the True Beast said, ignoring the materialization of the knight. “This family is under a curse.”
“Duh,” said Brigit, warily eyeing the ghost who was floating about a foot off the ground. “This guy probably knows something about it.”
Taking Brigit at her word, the knight began to speak, “For three days, I shall warn those at the Château du Puis. On the third night, one of you will die.”
The púca commented, “Sounds like we will be leaving tomorrow.”
A contemporary fantasy — this Fae Magic adventure short story is a standalone tale using characters from College Fae Magic Series. It takes place the summer after the events in Never Date a Siren, book #1 in this YA Fantasy series.
"I got goosebumps as I read this in my basement late at night! If you like spooky stories with a lesson or two to ponder over, check out Knight of Cups. The banter between Jib (who is not a ‘cute kitty’) and Brigit was a fun contrast to the spooky atmosphere of the chateau."
"- a lovely standalone story that weaves the new College Fae Magic series with Arthurian legend. Nash has set the scene in a French chateau, with atmospheric touches reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. It is a fine blend of folklore-"
To read more of Knight of Cups, click here.
The Wicked Wolves of Windsor
and other fairytales
A Dash of Magic, and a Hint of Wicked.
Meet a horse that tells only lies, wolves who speak of curses, and a magical raven who utters riddles. From the landscapes of medieval castles, modern skyscrapers, and Regency ballrooms, this short story collection features strong female leads and women saving themselves.
A powerful debut book by Byrd Nash. The short story, Granny Starseed, features Logan Dannon as a young boy.
"...reads like an old-fashioned book of fairy tales, but with a modern twist. Full of lore and magic..."
"A great collection of unpredictable and fun short stories with whimsical and dark undertones."
"Feminist fairytales, timeless stories."
"A literary glass of bourbon after a long day."
Bab Dannon frowned as she watched her daughter-in-law sitting in the chair. She hadn’t seen her for a couple of months and the woman was noticeably thinner. Her hair was unkempt and she wore no make-up. Even her clothes seemed a haphazard collection as if it had been Artie who had picked out them out instead of his wife.
“We’ve got a problem.” Bab’s statement earned her an eye roll from Barney who replied, “Duh.”
His mother disregarded his sarcasm and bent down so her eyes were at the level of Sarah’s. Bab leaned over, mere inches away, but Sarah’s face remained blank and unresponsive.
Standing up, Bab put her hand to her chin, considering the problem that was her daughter-in-law.
“The essential part is missing. The personality, the capacity to feel emotions. The soul of who she is.”
“Gone? Gone where?”
“Where do you think?” Bab replied, exasperated. “Why do you think you had that dream, Barnard? What is your talent? Walking the bridge between the worlds. You’ll have to go and retrieve her soul and bring it back.”
“Why me? You’re the one who caused all this!” Barney sputtered. Sarah presented a very big problem that he felt incapable of solving.
“That ritual back in March, the drowning in the pool — all of it is your fault. mom. Besides, you’re far more powerful than I am.”
“I’m not here to do your job for you, kiddo. We’ve already had that discussion. Time for you to grow up and do what you were born to do.”
The two continued to bicker, oblivious to the two children who had entered the house. Evie and Logan, upon hearing voices, had followed the sound to discover their owners.
As the two adults argued, their increasing temper, as well as the topic of what they were discussing, made the two children exchange glances.
“Can you help my mom?”
Bab and Barney turned as one to see the boy holding a squirming ball of fur that was trying to climb up his shoulder. Evie was loaded down with a big backpack and a couple of sacks.
“We are both here to help your mother, kiddo,” said his grandmother, gesturing for him to come towards her. “But I think you, Logan, could help her the most.”
Turning to Barney she clarified.
“Take Logan with you. Sarah’s love for her child will be a powerful magnet to draw her to you.”
To learn more about the Wicked Wolves of Windsor and other fairytales, click here.
Acknowledgments
To get a book from rough draft to completion takes many people. I’ve had the support of some wonderful readers who have provided advice and support. Specifically Andie K., who lent me German assistance and suggestions (above and beyond the call of duty, through multiple drafts), and Laurie H. whose eagle-eyed and detailed notes helped me improve the consistency of the story, as well as Giselle S, who had ideas on “what happened?” that gave me new scenes.
Other beta readers, Astrid M. and Jessica F., have been with me from the beginning. They are the best cheerleaders!
Kate H. once again caught my typos, verb abuse, and prompted me to rewrite sentences or scenes that needed clarity.
The book becomes greater with so many helpers.
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